Roadmap for a National Targeted Skin Cancer Screening Program

MIA’s position on community-based skin checks during the Roadmap process

Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) shares the passion that many community groups have for reducing the devastating toll that melanoma and skin cancer can have. Raising awareness about melanoma and skin cancer and encouraging people to ‘know the skin they’re in’ and get any concerning changes checked out is a vital part of reducing this burden. As part of a national initiative, MIA has been commissioned by the Australian Government to lead the development of a Roadmap for a potential national targeted skin cancer screening program.

This Roadmap will provide the Government with evidence-based recommendations on how a national, targeted screening program could be implemented—one that aims to detect melanoma earlier in individuals at higher risk, while avoiding unnecessary harm in those at lower risk. A central focus of the brief is on equity, access, and feasibility—particularly for geographically and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. We are engaging with all community groups who are delivering skin check initiatives across the country. The experiences and insights from these programs will help shape the Roadmap.

Given the current ongoing process to develop the Roadmap, it would be premature for MIA to endorse any skin cancer screening activities outside of the scope of this review and the forthcoming recommendations.